CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (60 page)

“Tristan!” I screech. I reach down and slam his back.
“Breathe...breathe...” He starts coughing and spluttering; choking up more water
–
Oh god, thank you...thank you...

“It’s ok Tristan...breathe, you’re ok...I’m right here.”
He’s still struggling, his breathe coming in sharp gusts, still coughing up
water. “It’s ok...just breathe...just breathe...” I say, squeezing his arm, smacking
his back to help get the water out.

“Coral...” He chokes, and that’s my cue. I cry out in
relief, a choking sob bursting out of me.

“Tristan...” I squeeze my eyes shut, fall against him and
just cry tears of relief.

“Coral...” He croaks, his voice raw...his breath still
coming in sharp gusts.

“It’s ok, were ok...” I manage to choke out.

I hear the halo of an ambulance, police sirens above us.
Then footsteps, running down the stairs. Two policeman quickly followed by two
paramedics come running into the room. I have never felt so relieved in my
entire life. The Paramedics run to me, and kneel down next to Tristan, they
immediately start working on him.

“He drowned,” I choke out, still fighting tears, then I look
across at Dillon – He saved us!

“Help him!” I scream, one of the Paramedics looks over his
shoulder, shouts for back-up on his radio and dashes over to Dillon. Then I
remember –
Edith!

I launch to my feet and run over to the policeman. “My
housekeeper, Edith she’s still missing! Please...find her!” I shout in
desperation.

“Is she in the house?” He asks.

“I don't know?” I manage to squeak. He nods once and speaks
into his radio –
Dear God, please let her be ok!
I want to find her, but
I don't want to leave Tristan, I dash back over to him. “Found her.” The
policeman shouts. “She’s ok.” He tells me.

I sag with relief, and then everything just becomes blurry
and muffled. Too many people, police, paramedics, too much noise. I blank them
all out as I watch them lift Tristan onto a stretcher, I keep his hand in mine
as we go through the garage and up to the waiting ambulance on the driveway.

“Coral!” I hear Edith shout out. I turn and see the front
door wide open, Edith running towards me. “Edith!” We crash into one another
and hug fiercely. “You ok?” I ask, tears streaming down my cheeks, she’s crying
too, unable to say anything she just nods. “Come on.” I grab her by the hand
and we step into the ambulance. As I look down at Tristan I see his eyes aren’t
open. “What’s happened?”I shout in panic.

“He’s fine, just passed out. Probably the morphine, all his
vital signs are good.” He tells me.

I sag with relief once more. I keep Edith’s hand tightly
held in mine as we ride over to the hospital...

AS I SIT WATCHING TRISTAN,
I keep my eyes focused on the rise and fall of his chest
as he breathes. The door flies open, I drag my eyes away from Tristan and look
up. Dr Green walks over and checks his IV drip, then his readouts.

“Why hasn’t he woken up yet?” I ask my voice cold and bleak.

“He will, when he’s ready.” She says, placing her hand on my
shoulder – but it brings me no comfort. Tristan is still unconscious, has been
for two days and nights now. I grip his hand in mine and close my eyes, saying
a small prayer for all to be well when he does wake.

“All tests show there’s no brain damage Coral,” she tells me
again. “He’s had a traumatic experience. This is his way of processing it all, just
like you did. He’s going to be fine, he just needs time, all he needs is time.”

I silently nod and stare down at Tristan. He’s growing a
beard again. I choke back the tears. Fucking tears! This is the fifth time
today.

“I’ll be back later to check on him. Try not to worry.” Dr
Green says.

I don't look up at her, even though she’s tried to convince
me all will be well, there’s a part of me that’s afraid. Like, if I look up at
her, I’ll see she’s lying and that will be it for me.

Dr Green squeezes my shoulder once more. When I know she’s
gone and the nurse on duty has disappeared back to her desk – and she won’t be
back for at least four hours – I pull back the sheet on the large hospital bed,
and climb in next to Tristan. He’s flat on his back, his mouth slightly open, the
cannula in his nose feeding him oxygen.

“Tristan,” I whisper against his ear. “I love you and I miss
you baby, so much…Please come back to me.” I choke back the tears again, sniff
loudly, close my eyes and rest my head on his shoulder. I place my arm across
his chest and squeeze his shoulder, trying my best not to cry.

I need to sleep. I’m so exhausted, but every time I do I’m
back in the pool room, trying to resuscitate Tristan, only I can't bring him
back, he won’t wake up…and Kane is stood over us, laughing, the gun in his hand
pointing at my head....

I
STARTLE AWAKE AND LOOK UP AT TRISTAN
, and to my greatest delight his
eyes are open wide and watching me. “Tristan!” I gasp, and sit up so I can see
him properly. He frowns back at me, then closes his eyes for a moment, he
swallows hard.

He groggily opens his eyes again. “Thirsty,” he whispers. I
jump up off the bed, the pain making me wince and press the button for the
Nurse.

“Nurse is coming baby, she’s coming.” I try not to cry as I
gently stroke his hair, he still seems so out of it. His eye, his cheekbones,
his lips, they are still so swollen, I don't know where to kiss him. The nurse
enters the room. “Hey Tristan, good to see you awake.”

“He’s thirsty,” I tell her.

“Ok. I’ll let Dr Green know he’s awake and I’ll get you some
crushed ice. Just a little at a time mind you,” she says. I nod once, keeping
my eyes fixed on Tristan.

He reaches his hand up, but he’s got an IV in his right
hand, so I reach over and pick up his left. I clasp it hard in my hand, then
bring his hand up to my lips and kiss him.

“Coral, are you ok?” He croakily asks, reaching up to touch
my swollen cheek.

“Don't worry about me,” I tell him firmly.

His eyes close again. “You know I can't help doing that,” he
croaks.

“Tristan, please just relax, everything’s ok.” I sit back up
on the edge of the bed and hover over him. I reach up and run my hands through
his hair. “You look terrible,” I tease.

“Thanks,” he croaks. “What happened Coral?”

I frown back at him. “You don't remember?”

“Some of it...I know you wouldn’t leave when I told you to.”
He tries to narrow his eyes at me, but with his face so bruised it kind of
doesn’t work.

“Hey, let’s fight about it when you’re better, ok?” I’m so
happy he’s awake. He tries to smile at me, but it makes him wince in pain. I
lean down and very carefully touch my lips to his. “I love you Tristan
Freeman.”

“Coral...” He breathes, then reaches up and wraps his arms
tightly around me. “Oh baby...I thought...you’re alive...oh I love you, so
much.” He grips me tighter. “You saved us baby.”

“No, Dillon did,” I croak out. “Oh Tristan...” I reach up
and stroke his hair, his cheek.

“What happened, tell me everything – Shit! Edith!” Tristan
gasps.

“Shhh, she’s ok, everyone’s ok. Relax baby, relax. I’ll tell
you everything, but you need to get checked out first ok?”

“Oh Coral!” He crushes me to him again, constantly kissing
the top of my head. The door is opened. I look up and see Dr Green and the
nurse walk in together.

“Good afternoon Mr Freeman,” Dr Green says, smiling at
Tristan. “Let’s get you checked out,” she adds. I give Tristan one more gentle kiss
on the lips and hop down from the bed. I squeeze his hand tight. “I’ll be back
in a couple of minutes ok. I want to let everyone know you’re awake.”

“Ok,” he croaks, trying to smile. I nod to Dr Green, and
feeling utterly exhausted, but very elated, I head over to the waiting room.

All my family and friends have been taking shifts here, to
support me and wait for news on Tristan – Right now it’s Gladys and Malcolm
that are here. When I round the corner I see it’s just Malcolm in the room. The
moment he sees me he stands up.

“Oh Coral...is?’ – “He’s awake,” I manage to choke out, and
burst into tears of relief.

Malcolm dashes over to me and wraps his arms around me,
squeezing me tight, comforting me. “Oh...I’m so glad,” he says, rocking me
gently.

“Where’s Mom?”

“Ladies.”

“Will you tell her for me?” I choke. “I want to get back to
him.”

“Of course, of course I will.” He says, kissing the top of
my head.

I pull back from him, reach up and kiss his cheek. “Thanks
Dad,” I croak.

Malcolm smiles warmly at me, squeezes my hand, then lets me
go. In a daze I head back to Tristan’s room. Dr Green is just finishing with
him and the Nurse is feeding him crushed ice.

“May I?” I say, holding my hands out to her so I can do it.

“Just a little more.” The nurse tells me, handing me the cup
and spoon.

“Tristan, you’re looking good. Going to be in here a while
longer though,” Dr Green says. Tristan nods in recognition, I turn and smile at
Dr Green. “See you both in a while,” she adds, then she leaves the room with
the nurse.

I sit on the edge of Tristan’s bed and fill the spoon with
more ice. “Open wide,” I tease. Tristan does so, and slowly chews the ice.

“Coral...I’m so sorry.” He says, tears polling in his good
eye.

“I know you are,” I say. “But none of that matters now.
You’re alive, you’re safe – “I didn’t break my promise to you,” he interrupts.

“You didn’t?” I say, filling up the spoon.

“No baby. You remember...” Tristan stops, wincing in pain.
“Tristan, you don't need to do this now – “Yes, I do.” He snaps – He hasn’t
changed, still my broody man!

“Fine!” I bite.

“Fine!” He bites back.

We both grin at one another. “Come on then, out with it!” I
say.

“After you told me about Simon and I went for a walk, I
called Detective Marsh. We spoke for a while, I wasn’t really sure why I was
calling her. I think...I just needed to hear what could be done if...” Tristan
trails off and takes a deep breath. “The next day, when you said you wanted
nothing done about it, I called her back and told her of your decision. I never
intended to have anything more to do with it, as I promised you. Then a couple
of weeks later, Detective Marsh calls me and tells me she’s done some digging
around and it turns out Simon was already under investigation. She asked me if
I wanted to be kept updated, I said yes. That’s what all the phone calls were
about, I didn’t think for one second it would come back to us. I’m am so sorry
baby...so sorry – “Hey.” I place my lips against his.

“It’s ok Tristan, it’s ok. I’ve already spoken to Detective
Marsh, she told me that Simon was aware he was under investigation so he had
all the investigators lines tapped. He knew she’d been calling you, and
that...” I take a deep breath. “The witnesses didn’t make it.” I swallow hard.

“She told me that he’s involved in one of the biggest crime
syndicates she has ever known, they’re only just scraping the surface, and
Tristan...” I take a deep breath and swallow hard. “They found Stuarts body.” Tristan
glares back at me and clenches his jaw. “They were never going to let him go, I
guess.” I swallow hard again. “But like I said, none of that matters. You’re
alive-you’re a mess, but you’re alive,” I say, trying to tease. “Had enough
ice?” I ask, giving him another spoonful.

He chews once, swallows, then nods his head. “Am I
forgiven?” He asks.

“Tristan, there’s nothing to forgive,” I say, staring down
at his good eye. Tears pool in my eyes again –
God damn it!

“Come here baby,” he croaks. I lean forward and gently peck
his lips. “Lie down with me,” he adds.

“Ok.” I pull my legs up so I’m lying adjacent to him and
rest my head on his chest. Tristan wraps his arms around me and squeezes me
tight. I sigh inwardly – All is well in the world again. Tristan is alive, we both
survived – again!

“I love you Tristan,” I mumble, sleep pulling me under.

“And I love you Coral Freeman, more than life itself –
Forever,” he whispers croakily.

“Forever,” I breathe and slip into unconsciousness...

Two Years Later

TRISTAN
SQUEEZES MY HAND AS WE WALK INTO THE HOUSE
. It’s Christmas Eve, and
we’ve just has a very wet and windy walk on the beach. But I love that feeling
of being frozen outside and coming home to a warm house – we head straight
upstairs and change into dry clothes.

“Would you like a glass of wine darling?” Tristan asks as I
stand drying my hair with a towel.

“Um...later I think. I really want a hot chocolate,” I say.

Tristan’s brow becomes quizzical. “Are you feeling unwell
Mrs Freeman? You always say yes to wine.”

I gasp. “Mr Freeman, what are you implying?” I say in a
teasing way.

“No implications, just fact Mrs Freeman.” He teases back
with wide playful eyes.

“Hot chocolate!” I say narrowing my eyes at him.

“As you wish.” He grins widely, leans forward and kisses me.
His kiss still has the same effect, my whole body lights up, and I shiver from
head to toe. “See you downstairs,” he adds, the cutest grin spreading across
his face – I shake my head, laughing as I do.

With my hair dried, I head over to my handbag and find the
chocolate coins for the Christmas tree. When Tristan told me a few weeks ago
that he’d never had these as a child, I made sure I bought three bags of them. I
head back down the stairs and into the living room.

I hear music playing, Lonestar Amazed – My man is such a
softie!

Tristan surprises me by lifting me up into his arms and
swinging me around, then dancing me around the room – singing the words of the
song to me, making me swoon up at him – I still can’t quite believe he is mine,
that I’m married to such a wonderful man. When the song ends he leans down and
kisses me softly, smiling against my lips.

“Hot chocolate?” He questions again, his eyebrows pulling
together, but his eyes are crinkling sweetly.

“Yes,” I whisper, kissing him back. I can't help chuckling
as he winks at me then heads in to the kitchen – The man’s definitely still got
it!

I turn around and see the fire is blasting and the Christmas
tree is twinkling sweetly. Dillon and Edith are in the kitchen, cooking
something up for tea tonight. When Dillon saved us from near death, I promised
myself I would do everything within my power to help him recover from his
injuries. So he came here, and Edith helped me nurse him and Tristan back to
full health.

In that time that we spent together, I found out he’d run
away from home when he was only thirteen years old, lived on the streets for a
while, then found a shelter and eventually got a job, but he was so fucked up
with everything that happened to him, that he turned to drink and drugs. Which
led to stealing cars to get money for the drugs, which led to a police record
and time in prison.

When we met him, he’s been clean for five years, but was
struggling with work, but as he reminded me, not many people want to employ
ex-convicts. So, after talking to Tristan, we gave him Stuarts job – Sound
silly, I know, but I really would trust him with my life, and Tristan’s. And
he’s done so well, and he’s so happy, he really feels like part of our family
now.

Tristan finds me hanging the coins on the tree. “Chocolate
coins?” He asks, grinning from ear to ear.

“Yes, but you are not allowed to eat them all tonight, ok!”
I tease.

Tristan pouts at me, then hands me my hot chocolate. “I have
a present for you,” I say.

“You do?” He quizzes.

“Well, it’s not so much as a present, more like...” I shake
my head, what the hell am I on about. I place my cup down onto the coffee
table, take both his hands and pull him in front of the fire, away from Edith
and Dillon, where we are alone and no-one can see us.

“I love you Tristan Freeman. Merry Christmas baby.” I look
down, lift up my top and place his right hand on my belly. Then I slowly look
up at him through my lashes.

It takes a moment, but then his eyes widen as the penny
drops. “Coral!” He gasps.

I start laughing at his awed expression.

“You’re sure?” He whispers.

“Yes.” I whisper, a few happy tears rolling down my cheeks.

“Oh baby...” Tristan sinks to his knees, pulls up my top and
plants his lips there, right on my belly. He keeps his hands firmly planted on
my hips as he kisses me there several times, then he pulls back and starts
talking to Junior – to my belly.

“Now listen here young man...or young lady. We’ll have no
bad behaviour, no sleepless nights and no puking on me or mommy, or there will
be trouble!” He kisses me there again, then looks up at me in that way of his,
total admiration – then he looks at my belly and continues talking to junior.

“You are going to be so loved. You’re going to have the best
mommy in the world, you’ll see when you meet her, she’s amazing. She’s kind and
sweet, and funny and strong, and she’ll protect you and love you
unconditionally, forever, and so will I.”

I blink back more tears – I feel like I’m in a dream
again...I think I may have to pinch myself.

Six Years Later...

I
CAN'T HELP MYSELF
. I know I shouldn’t, but I love listening when Coral
talks to Ethan, our amazing little man. It fills me with such a powerful loving
feeling, that I just want to do it again and again. I creep along the hallway,
and stop outside his bedroom door. Ethan was five today, I know this is a monumental
day to Coral, so much happened to her at that age, and she’s done so well to
protect Ethan from any kind of pain, especially in these young, impressionable
years.

It was my turn to put Ethan to bed tonight, but Coral
insisted she wanted to do it, so I relented, then again I always relent with
Coral, whatever she wants, she will always have.

“Mommy, why do you kiss Daddy?”

“Because I love him baby, just like I love you.”

“But you kiss Daddy differently.”

“Yeah, I know, but that’s because we’re grown-ups, and when
you grow up you’ll understand that.”

“Lily said she kissed a boy like that and it was all wet and
slimy.” I hear Coral snigger, which makes me want to laugh aloud. He’s really
going through an inquisitive stage.

“Well, it probably does feel like that when you’re little,
but it feels very different when you grow up.”

“Mommy?”

“Yes...”

“Why do mommy’s have boobies and daddies have willies?”

Another snigger. “Well because we’re supposed to be different
baby.”

“Why?”

“Ethan!”

“Yes mommy?”

“I love you very much.”

“I love you too.”

“Did you have a nice birthday?”

“Yes.”

“What did you like the most?”

“My chocolate cake.” Typical, loved Coral’s cake, not what I
bought him. Makes me smile.

“You didn’t like your electric car that Daddy bought you?”

“Daddy showed me how to drive it, but I want a big car like
Daddy’s.”

“Can't have one of those yet baby.”

“I have to be big like Daddy?”

“Yes.”

“Mommy?”

“Yes...”

“Can I have a puppy instead.”

“You want a puppy instead of your car?”

“No mommy, I want to take the puppy in the car.”

“Oh...I see, well, I’ll talk to Daddy ok?”

“Mommy?” I have to go in, she’ll be here all night
otherwise.

“What’s all this noise I hear?” I say, walking into his
room. Coral looks up at me trying to hide her smile.

“Daddy!” Ethan squeals, reaching up to me. Coral gives me a
stern look, I know, I know, I’m waking him back up. I rush over to him and pull
him up into my arms, then tickle him.

“What are you still doing up young man?”

“Daddy...don’t..” He laughs, wriggling about in his bed.

“You should be asleep.” I scold, but lightly.

“Mommy said I can have a puppy!” He says, his eyes wide with
delight.
Nice try kid!

“I don't think Mommy said yes.” I say, I feel Coral run her
fingers through the back of my hair, it never fails to move me. Just her
presence alone moves me. I reach up, take her hand in mine, pull it to my lips
and kiss it.

“Daddy?”

“Oh no you don't!” I wag my finger at him. “No more
questions from you tonight, you need to sleep now.” I stroke his forehead and
his hair. He’s such a mix of us both. Medium brown hair, green eyes, cheeks
that flush, but the best part is that he has his mother’s smile.

“Shall we read a story?” I ask.

“No, it’s ok Daddy.” He yawns widely. “I’m tired now.”

“Alright, well snuggle up.” I pull the quilt closer to him,
and tuck him in either side. Coral is watching us both, I can tell. I reach
down and kiss his warm cheek. “Night kiddo, I love you.”

“Love you too Daddy.” He says, his eyes closed as he yawns widely.

I glance across at Coral, she smiles her shy smile that I
utterly adore and slightly shakes her head. I watch her lean down and kiss
Ethan’s cheek.

“Night baby boy. Sweet dreams.”

He yawns again. “Night Mommy...” We both sit there, watching
him fall asleep. When we know he’s drifted off, I take Coral’s hand and we head
out of his room.

I pull the door closed behind me, but leave a tiny gap.
Ethan is like his mother when he wakes in the night and needs the bathroom –
zombie – so he doesn’t do too well with door handles.

Then taking Coral by surprise I push her up against the wall
and press my body against hers. I reach up, and take her face in my hands, it
never fails to amaze me that she is mine.

She smiles that shy smile again – It takes my breath away,
she’s takes my breath away, in everything that she does. I lean down, acting as
though I’m going to kiss her, but I stop just as our lips are about to touch.
Coral arches a brow at me, it makes me smile widely, she smiles back, flashing
her perfect teeth.

“I want to tell you something,” I whisper –
Don't want to
wake the kid up!

“Do you now,” she whispers back, teasing me.

I smile wryly at her. “I think you are the most wonderful
mother, wife...lover.” I gently press my lips to hers, because they are just
too kissable, I pull back and lean my forehead against hers.

“No man has ever loved a woman as much as I love you.” I
tell her, stroking her cheek, gazing at her perfect, fragile features.

Coral reaches up and places her hands on my cheeks. “And no
woman has ever loved a man as much as I love you.” She reaches up onto her
tip-toes and kisses me, hard.

I lift her up, she wraps her legs around me and we continue
into our prefect, blissful little piece of heaven...

THE END...

Thank you, thank you,
thank you so much for reading. I really hoped you enjoyed Coral and Tristan’s
love story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, I would like
to a say big thank you to every reader who took a chance and read Coral, then
Fallen, and Forever. Writing this trilogy has been one of the best experiences
of my life, I will sadly miss Coral and Tristan.

Secondly, to my
sister; Sarah. Your devotion and support will be remembered, always. As will
your rather fabulous ideas for the book covers – You rock babes, Love ya!

Thirdly, to my
parents. Mom, thanks for your editing help, your love and support. Steve, my
guru, for all your marketing help and advice, and for your love and support – I
love you both, thank you.

Last, but by no means
least, Dave – my book cover designer at JD&J Book Cover Design.

You listened, and
unlike so many others I tried, you designed what I wanted, effortlessly. I
cannot thank you enough, or recommend you highly enough. You are awesome!

Need a book cover
designing, contact Dave at
[email protected]

Website
www.jdandj.com

AUTHOR INFO

If you would like to contact me, do
so at the email address below. I would love to answer your questions, or simply
read your feedback and comments. I will reply as soon as humanly possible, although
bare with me, as I am working on my next novel, but to help out a brand new
author (and because you think I’m really great) let the world know by posting a
review. Amazon will prompt you at the end of this book, I would really
appreciate it.

Email me at
[email protected]

I don't have a decent picture of me that I can place here at
the moment, but I do have a photo on my Facebook and twitter page as follows :-

Facebook.com/ClairDelaneyAuthor

Twitter - @CDelaney_Author

Sorry Folks, but
here’s the boring copyright bit!

CORAL - Forever
-
By Clair Delaney -
Copyright © 2014 by Clair Delaney

The
moral rights of the author have been asserted. All characters and events in
this e-book other than those clearly in the public domain are fictitious and
any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidence - All
right reserved. This e-book is copyright material and must not be copied,
reproduced, transferred, distributed or used in any way except as specifically
permitted in writing by the author, as allowed under the terms and conditions
under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable law. Any
unauthorised distribution or use of this text
,
maybe a direct infringement of
the authors rights
,
and those responsible maybe liable in law
accordingly.

One Last Thing...

When you turn this page you’ll be greeted with a
request from Amazon to rate this book and post your thoughts on Facebook and
Twitter. How cool is that?